National Childhood Cancer Month is September with the 12th designated as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

“As we approach September, National Childhood Cancer Month, it is not only a time to bring awareness to childhood cancer but to also mark the progress and positive outcomes experienced by many,” notes Dr. James C. Wittig, renowned Orthopedic Oncologist and Sarcoma Surgeon, “In a recent article that came across my desk, I paused and reflected on the care given to one of my young patients who had an aggressive bone tumor years ago. I was both honored and flattered to be called a ‘hero’ in an essay that was written by Samantha McCauley that earned her the “Robert Curatolo Scholarship Fund” award. If only Samantha and all children afflicted with such aggressive bone and soft tissue tumors realized: they are the true heroes!! These tumors are quite the obstacles for anyone, let alone children. It is their phenomenal, unwavering strength and endurance that keep me motivated in matching them in their fight to overcome.”

National Childhood Cancer Month is a great opportunity to remember and pay tribute to all those involved in the overall care provided to young cancer patients – from within the home to the many sub-specialties and healthcare teams involved in care. It is remarkable to hear from patients along their journeys. “As doctors and surgeons, we focus on the mission to heal, first and foremost. Often, once the care is given, we assume that normalcy has returned and that the old adage “no news is good news” rings true. When we are able to catch a moment and read about stories of people overcoming cancer and moving forward, it is truly tremendous. It is a privilege and honor that parents invest their trust in me to care for and operate on their children who are afflicted with aggressive bone and soft tissue tumors.” Please feel free to read the inspirational story at http://www.tumorsurgery.org/news or via PRWEB.

Dr. Wittig supports the work of the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world’s largest cooperative cancer research organization, that treats approximately 90% of all children with cancer, at more than 200 children’s and university hospitals and Cancer Centers in the U.S.

About Dr. Wittig

James C. Wittig, MD, Author, Professor & Lecturer, specializes in limb-sparing surgery; pediatric and adult bone and soft tissue sarcomas; benign musculoskeletal tumors; metastatic cancers as well as complex hip and knee replacement surgery. He also has special expertise with regard to tumors that affect the shoulder girdle and scapula. Currently, Dr. Wittig is Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Chief of Pediatric and Adult Orthopedic Oncology and the Sarcoma Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Office within the Faculty Practice Suites, 5 East 98th Street, 9th Floor. as well as Chief, Orthopedic Oncology and Director, Sarcoma Section of the John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center. Hackensack office located at Continental Plaza, 433 Hackensack Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, New Jersey. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Inc.; and the Medical Society of New Jersey. He has published over 90 educational materials ranging from original reports, abstracts, videos and articles in the following publications: Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, The Journal of the American College of Surgeons, American Family Physician, Journal of Arthroplasty, Radiology and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. He is also a prominent lecturer in the field of Orthopaedic Surgery throughout the nation. To schedule a consultation or speaking engagement, contact Dr. Wittig via his office in NYC at 212-241-1807, by email DrJamesWittig@gmail.com or visit http://www.TumorSurgery.org.

Testimonials

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your excellent care...I wish you a very long and productive professional life so that more people can benefit from your expertise, so that more people can get a second chance to live their lives to the fullest."

Irina B.

"I am writing to you to thank you for everything you and your team have done for me. I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel that I am in your care. It gives me the peace of mind that I have you as my doctor. Your knowledge and expertise is greatly appreciated. You truly are the best! Thank you!"

-Sincerely,
JG

Dear Dr. Wittig,
I am writing at a loss to find adequate words to thank you for all that you have done for me. You were so generous to give up your time on a weekend to operate on my femur. I believe that this made a vast difference in my life. Your skills as a diagnostician and surgeon have given me an opportunity to have a better life. At a time like this, it is comforting to be treated with kindness and skill. Thank you for sharing your gifts with me.

Dear Dr. Wittig,
I'm so thrilled with your diagnosis, and thankful too! If you're ever in S. Orange and would like to visit "The Gate" for a pint, I'd be happy to personally escort you. You'll get the VIP treatment. Thank you so very much for your attention and professionalism.

Dear Dr. Wittig,
I can't thank you, and your team enough for making our son, who recently underwent surgery (removing a tumor on his pelvis), feel so comfortable and at ease. As did you, with my family, addressing all our questions, and concerns. We knew he as in the best possible hands. You are a wonderful, compassionate Doctor....We are so grateful to have such a gifted Dr. taking care of him.
Sincerely,
Sandy

Dear Dr. Wittig,

Thank-you so very much for being my surgeon for that chondrosarcoma, for saving my life! And I have learned over the months (from other doctors...) that I was very fortunate to have you as a surgeon.

I think that I should have been more cheerful and clear upon receiving the good news from you during the visit on Wednesday.--I was just that I've been so anxious, worried, tense, confused from 6 months of various treatments -- prostate 45 day radiation, gall stone passing, kidney stone matters that have been happening these past months.

In driving home after the news today, I've begun feeling increasingly released, cheerful...able at long last to get on fully with my life.

You, your staff, that hospital...have set the bar for health care so much higher than I could have imagined.

With Deepest Gratitude!

Robert

Good evening Dr. Wittig,

I hope you are doing well this evening and hope you have a restful weekend with your family. It was a pleasure meeting you in person. After meeting you, I can understand why you and Sheeraz are close friends and colleagues, especially how highly Sheeraz spoke of you! You are kind and down to earth. Also, you and Sheeraz are not only amazing and talented doctors, but you are compassionate and empathetic to the needs of your patients and families, which often lacks in the world of medicine. I wanted to be a doctor, but I really can't deal with the sight of blood, like I mentioned to Sheeraz. Both of you are great role models how family centered care should be and how I strive and want to be with my little patients at Sloan.

I appreciate everything you have done for my Uncle. I am grateful to Sheeraz for recommending you! I hope you and your family are always happy and healthy, so you can continue to great things to impact the quality of life of others...

Thanks so much again for everything NYU familia!

Kind Regards,
Mariyam

On May 10th I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Wittig for the first time. This was an extremely stressful time for me since I had received several reports regarding my cancer diagnosis. Upon meeting Dr, Wittig I immediately knew I was in good hands. His calm demeanor & straightforward manner were very comforting to me. He laid out how he was going to proceed with the operation, how long it would take, & followup. He has been a source of comfort to me thru out this ordeal & I know I could not be in a better place with him. His support staff of nurses, is top notch. Their attention to detail, answering questions we may have, are always done in a timely manner. Without the ease of working with Dr. James Wittig, I can tell you. I would not feel as confident with my situation as I do. He is truly a very special human being. Sincerely, Karolyn